Program of Study: Major: Neuroscience
At the University of Washington, there is a multidisciplinary program called the Neuroscience Major that results in a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. It is intended to benefit from the depth of knowledge in neurobiology held by faculty members in many departments at UW, which has long been one of the top institutions in the world for conducting neuroscience research. Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary study of the nervous system with the ultimate goal of cellular and molecular understanding of higher brain function and neurological disease. To accomplish this, neurobiologists combine molecular, electrophysiological, computational, and behavioral methods. For the majority of us, the fascination with this field stems from the effort to comprehend the organ that distinguishes us as distinct, conscious individuals. We want to bring that excitement to you as undergraduates.
- Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Neuroscience
The following categories of applicants are taken into consideration: Regular Admission and Direct Freshman Admission. Admission is limited by available space; meeting minimum requirements ensures consideration but not acceptance. Every year, the second Friday in October is the application deadline, with the exception of for direct freshman admission.
Up to 15% of the department’s incoming class are accepted straight out of high school. Students who are admitted to the UW and list neuroscience as their preferred major are taken into consideration Strong candidates have taken calculus, chemistry, and biology in high school and typically scored at least 1400 on the verbal and mathematical portions of the SAT, or at least 30 on the ACT. Admission is for autumn quarter only.
- BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220, with minimum 2. 0 grade in each.
- It is advised that students complete the majority of their supporting physics, math, and chemistry courses (see the detailed course lists below), with a minimum of two years of experience in each discipline. 50 GPA on any such assignments finished at the time of application.
All students must make satisfactory academic progress in the major. Inaction results in probation, which may result in expulsion from the major, Contact the departmental adviser or visit the department website for the full continuation policy.
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Neuroscience
Students can get a thorough introduction to the study of nervous systems through neuroscience. Faculty from the School of Medicine and the College of Arts and Sciences jointly instruct courses in the major. Students investigate the cellular and molecular characteristics of individual nerve cells as well as their connections to understand how these characteristics affect both animal behavior and human disease.
- Chemistry: One of the following three sequences: CHEM 120, CHEM 220, CHEM 221; CHEM 142, CHEM 152 (or CHEM 143, CHEM 153), CHEM 223 CHEM 224; CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162 (or CHEM 145, CHEM 155, CHEM 165), CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHE Third sequence recommended. Organic chemistry laboratories not required. (15-27 credits) Physics: Pathway 1: PHYS 114, 115; Pathway 2: PHYS 121, 122 (recommended) Mathematics: Two quarters of calculus (MATH 124, MATH 125, or Q SCI 291, Q SCI 292) (8 to 10 credits) Introduction to biology (minimum 15 credits): BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220 (15 credits)
- Introduction to Neuroscience (10 credits): NEUSCI 301, NEUSCI 302.
- Neuroscience-related advanced courses (12 credits) include NEUSCI 401, NEUSCI 402, NEUSCI 403, and NEUSCI 404.
- Electives: Minimum 16 credits from a variety of biological sciences courses at the 400-level See adviser for list of courses. Courses not listed may be permitted with the program director’s approval. Undergraduate research can count for up to 7 credits of the 16 elective credits.
- Minimum cumulative 2.00 GPA for courses applied to the major.
Student Outcomes and Opportunities
- Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: Throughout the neuroscience core sequence, students gain a thorough understanding of the fundamental ideas underlying how the nervous system works as well as many of the fundamental methods for studying nerve cells. Students also learn how to compose and present their findings after analyzing neurophysiological data. Graduates work in graduate programs, pharmaceutical sales, teaching, public health, and computing.
- Instructional and Research Facilities: Laboratories are required with introductory courses. (NEUSCI 301 and NEUSCI 302). The program offers state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for each course.
- There are two ways to earn honors: with college honors (fulfilling departmental honors requirements as well as the honors core curriculum); and with honors. See adviser for requirements.
- Research, internships, and service learning: The majority of neuroscience students take part in undergraduate research with instructors from the schools of medicine and the college of arts and sciences.
- Program Scholarships: None offered.
- Student Organizations/Associations: Alpha Epsilon Delta, the national premedical honorary society; Neuroscience Student Club
How Difficult is it to Get Into Every Major at UW?
FAQ
Is neuroscience a competitive major to get into?
Finding the right college and program is frequently essential to getting a good job in the competitive field of neuroscience. Professionals, employers, and students all hold Pomona College, Stanford, and Emory University in particularly high regard.
Is University of Washington good for neuroscience?
The bachelor’s program at UW Seattle was ranked #36 on College Factual’s Best Schools for neurobiology list. It is also ranked #1 in Washington.
What is a good GPA for neuroscience major?
Although extensive research experience may compensate for slightly lower grades, you should aim for a minimum GPA of 3. 0 GPA for masters programs and 3. 3 for PhD programs.
Is it worth it to major in neuroscience?
Neuroscience is a demanding but rewarding major that can be a great place to start if you want to work in medicine, psychology, or research science.